Is Bermuda Grass The Right Choice For Your Location?

Bermuda grass is a tropical plant known for its resiliency. Many folks automatically assume that makes it great for all applications. However, landscapers will encourage their clients to consider the following 5 factors before deciding whether or not to commit to using it.

High Heat and Low Water

As a native of tropical and subtropical regions of the world, Bermuda grass works best for folks who have lawns in regions that are either very hot or dry. If your location has both conditions, there's a good chance it will still do the job well. Unsurprisingly, this also means the grass does well in spots that get lots of sunlight.

If you switch the circumstances to colder, cloudier, and wetter environs, though, Bermuda grass will struggle to thrive. If winter weather regularly lasts more than a couple of weeks where you live, then Bermuda grass probably isn't the right fit for your home. The best-case scenario is the grass will go dormant and turn brown in regions that experience frosts. The worst-case scenario in regions that experience hard freezes is that the grass will die. However, it will remain verdant in warmer regions.

Salt

Folks who have properties with high salt contents will want to consider Bermuda grass. The plant most often thrives in beach-like conditions. If you have a property next to a beach and want some greenery, you may want to use Bermuda grass to fill in the space.

Controlled Space

Some people consider Bermuda grass an invasive species. If your location has ideal conditions, the grass will aggressively colonize nearby spaces. You should try to grow Bermuda grass in locations where you can control the spread.

Abuse

Many sports teams use Bermuda grass because it has an impressive track record holding up to abuse. If you need grass that can handle public or athletic events where people walk or run on the grass, Bermuda grass is a great choice to consider.

However, you shouldn't use it around animals. This is especially the case if you have grazers on your property. Under stress, some breeds of Bermuda grass can produce toxic acids that have been linked to isolated livestock deaths.

Good Drainage

Given the grass thrives in dry and hot conditions, you don't want to plant it where water pools. It's highly drought-tolerant, and it won't deal well with being bogged. Property owners who wish to plant Bermuda grass in wetter spots will need to install sufficient drainage to provide the preferred dry environment.

Contact a local Bermuda grass supplier to learn more.


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